A FUND established in the honour of a top Bradford cyclist who died after an incident at a nightclub in Manningham Lane 25 years ago has received a major boost after being granted charitable status.

Dave Rayner, who was from Thackley but lived in Idle at the time of his death, was fatally injured outside Maestro's nightclub in the early hours of November 15, 1994, with his life support machine switched off a day later. He was just 27.

His death tragically cut short a promising cycling career, which saw him become a national junior cycling champion and race professionally for top teams in Italy and America.

An annual cycle ride and annual dinner began the following year, while the Dave Rayner Fund was set up in his honour.

Over the last two decades, it has helped young riders, including Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott),with financial support that allows them to race in Europe in pursuit of a professional cycling career.

That noble cause has been fully recognised now by the Charity Commission, and the fund will change its name to the Rayner Foundation.

Founding member of the fund and the team manager for the British under-23 squad, Keith Lambert, said: “Being awarded charitable status has been a brilliant achievement and will ensure we can further enable riders to progress in the sport of competitive cycling, whether that is on the bike or off it.

“We hope this fantastic boost for the fund will help us to encourage more women and riders from under-represented groups to engage in the sport.”